ww The East York Fun at fox run n East York celebrates Terry Fox’s life Observer Page 8 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 7 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, September 19, 2014 n AGA KHAN MUSEUM Mayoral debate hits E.Y. By KIMBERLY AGLIPAY The Observer

The Evergreen Brick Works was the stage on Sunday for a scene in the drama surrounding the Toronto mayoral campaign. Two days after Rob Ford’s exit from the race for what has turned out to be cancer and brother Doug Ford’s entry, the Brick Works on Bayview Avenue played host to a long-scheduled mayoral debate. Doug Ford did not attend, but the other main candidates did, and a fringe rival. Over 600 people gathered at the event to listen to John Tory, Olivia Chow and Ari Goldkind talk about youth, homelessness, transit and taxes. “Mr. Tory, you have gone from faith-based school funding to faith-based transit funding scheme,” Chow said, to numer- ous boos from the crowd. Chow reaffirmed her stance against Tory’s SmartTrack plan, stating, “I do not support build- Tanya Debi /// Observer ing the Scarborough subway, and Celebrating Islamic arts and culture therefore, there’s a billion dollars Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined the Aga Khan, spritual leader to 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims around the we can invest for immediate world, at the pre-opening of the Aga Khan Museum on Sept. 12. The $300 million, 10,000 square metre museum, improvement.” an architectural and cultural showpiece, is located at 77 Wynford Dr., and opened its doors to members of the n See CHOW, page 8 public yesterday. Slow down, drivers told, for the sake of the children Death of Georgia Walsh, 7, last summer prompts community-run ‘Kids at Play’ campaign for safer roads in Leaside and beyond

By XUETING ZHAO The Observer The municipal election is in full swing, From tragedy but many of the signs dotting Leaside lawns to action this fall are not there to promote a candidate. Instead, they’re a reminder to drivers to n Georgia Walsh, 7, was hit by proceed with caution. a minivan at the intersection The signs feature the silhouette of a of Millwood Road and McRae Drive on July 16 and was later child and a slogan saying, ‘Slow down, pronounced dead after being Kids at Play’ and are part of a public safety rushed to hospital. campaign launched after the tragic death of seven-year-old Georgia Walsh earlier n The ‘Kids at Play’ campaign was launched shortly after this summer. She was struck by a minivan Georgia’s death. Free lawn signs on July 16 at the intersection of Millwood were distributed in the Leaside Road and McRae Drive and rushed to the community. Hospital for Sick Children, where she was pronounced dead. n Toronto City Council approved a motion Aug. 26 to ban right Georgia was the only daughter of Conser- turns at the Millwood and McRae vative Party president John Walsh and his intersection. wife Jillian, who also have three sons. “Traffic and responsible driving is some- n A ‘No Turn On Red’ sign was set up at the East York intersec- thing that is very important to all people liv- tion following the approval of ing in the city,” said Roger Cattell, one of Xueting Zhao /// Observer the motion. Grayson, 5, puts up a sign at the second-round pickup window event held by the n See CAMPAIGN, page 5 ‘Kids at Play’ campaign at Leaside High School earlier this month. 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014

POLICE & Biggest issue is traffic, Papadakis says

FIRE By HENRY CHANG LI and I want to give back to the commu- For the past four years, Papada- ny years,” he said. “We shouldn’t leave The Observer nity that supported me,” he said. kis said, a dysfunctional city council them on the side.” Cab driver sought “I want to contribute by adding my has failed to serve Torontonians and Mayoral candidates can expect no in sexual assault George Papadakis says that since the professional and civic experience to incumbent Janet Davis has not been endorsement from Papadakis. day he set foot in Canada, the outward the council.” around for the people she serves. He said he wants to work with ev- Toronto police appearance of East York has remained Although Papadakis has little politi- “I have people complaining to me eryone on council. Ideally, Papadakis are asking for the the same, but its problems are coming cal experience, he is heavily involved that they have never seen her in the hopes to see new faces after the elec- public’s help after to a boil. in the Greek community and various years she’s been elected,” he said. tion. a woman reported “Things are getting worse,” he said charitable organizations. “You can only learn so much “Too many of them (councillors) being sexually as- in an interview. “The population is For the past three years, he has been from the news. You have have been here for too long,” he saulted by a taxi growing, but our infrastructures are the president of the Thessalonikean to be there to listen to said. “They do this as a profes- driver in the area still last-century.” Society of Toronto, as well as holding people talk about the sion. We need new people to of Donlands and Papadakis came to Canada to visit various positions in the federal and problems and solu- bring in a new culture to city Mortimer avenues friends and family, but stayed as a land- provincial Hellenic Congress, an um- tions.” hall.” on Sept. 8 after ed immigrant and eventually became a brella organization of all Greek groups Senior issues have 11 p.m. Canadian citizen. in Canada. largely been left out of n pAPAdakis After she was He started life in Canada living along Papadakis said the biggest issue in the campaign, Papada- driven to her Pape Avenue while delivering film Beaches-East York is traffic. kis said, so he wants to home, she went reels to theatres. He wants permanent solutions for help seniors with simple inside her house He later studied refrigeration and local problems like potholes and road tasks like snow shov- to get money to heating at George Brown College, maintenance rather than quick patch- elling or lawn pay the driver. She where he earned a T.S.S.A. certificate jobs. In the LRT vs. subway debate, he mowing, said the driver as a refrigerator operator and mechan- openly supports subway extension or “They followed her inside ic. the creation of new lines. contrib- and sexually as- Papadakis joined the campaign on “The LRT takes up space from cars uted (to saulted her. Aug. 25, running for city council in and parking space,” he said. “Subways society) Police describe Ward 31/Beaches-East York. won’t affect the outdoor environment for so- the suspect as “I’m happy to have stayed in Canada and traffic.” ma- “brown, short hair, clean-shaven, with full lips.” Trustee-hopeful wants better use of TDSB funds Teen attacked By SAMANTHA BRIDGES inspirations — Jack Layton. She worked alongside in elevator The Observer Layton for many years when he was the New Democrat MP for Toronto-Danforth — and federal Police are ask- As a mother of two, Jennifer Story knows what it’s party leader — and their time together fueled her ing for the pub- like to be a working mom and an active member of passion to one day run in a campaign of her own. lic’s help after a the community. Balancing work and relationships, Story said that helped her learn to touch base with 16-year-old girl she prides herself on being one of those people on different communities throughout the city, proving was allegedly sex- whom others can rely for support and a response to that you can communicate and reach out to people ually assaulted in the issues of the community. from across the aisle. an elevator near A decade later, with some political experience “(Layton) was really one of a kind. He was the her home in the already under her belt, she’s running for public school true example of someone who could bring different area of Don Mills board trustee in Toronto-Danforth because, she says, communities together despite any differences,” she Road and Over- the issues at hand need addressing now. said. “He had that way of talking to people that lea Boulevard on “What concerns me the most is the leadership and brought everyone together.” Sept. 4 at around direction of our education system,” Story says. Samantha Bridges /// The Observer Story isn’t the only one who believes the TDSB 4:30 p.m. “I feel like the board is divided into cliques, so I’m Jennifer Story (right) speaks to an East has hit a crisis point. Dr. Charles Pascal, a University The suspect is interested in seeing how decisions can become closer York resident about some of the issues of Toronto professor and former deputy minister of described as a to unanimous.” facing public schools. education, says that Story has the integrity to tackle brown 50-year-old The well-being of children and their education has the job of trustee. man with a heavy always been Story’s number one priority. of desire to bring in revenue, but people aren’t asking “You need to look for a candidate that is experienced, build. One of the issues that she says the TDSB is facing is enough questions as to what strings are attached to has high integrity and can ultimately play nice in the ~ Will Alcopra the level of revenue that is coming in and whether it’s this money and whether it’s in the best interest of the sandbox,” Pascal said. matching the best interests of the community. children and community.” “Jennifer has these qualities because she has both “People need to know what’s involved,” she said in Along with help from supporters in the East York the skills and the judgment that is needed to urgently Police seek third an interview. “What I’m finding is that there is a lot area, Story still looks to one of her mentors and make the change in the school board.” stabbing suspect Two men have n ARTS been arrested and a Canada-wide warrant has been Poet laureate performs for adoring crowd issued for a third suspect after a By PRESTON DOZSA suik, the festival originated from a desire to showcase service organization in East York, and so it was our double-stabbing The Observer the work of poets not just in East York, but also To- opportunity in this council to fix that,” Frage- on Danforth Ave- ronto as a whole. dakis said. nue Sept. 8. One It’s a cold and wet Saturday afternoon, a stark con- “We want to help expose Toronto poets and po- For Clarke, the festival is one of the re- of the victims, trast to the atmosphere at the Children’s Peace The- etry to the mainstream,” she said, “and there’s a sults of his initiative to create more spaces Dwayne Goodwin, atre. Inside, the crowd listens intently as Toronto’s wide variety of poetry being performed at the fes- for public art throughout the city. To him, 22, died from his poet laureate, George Elliot Clarke, takes the stage tival this year.” poetry is not just a personal creation or injuries while the and begins to read through several of his poems. Besides Clarke, who also performed at the performance, but an art form that other man sur- Except it’s not the reading of poetry that the crowd first East End Poetry Festival, the speaks to the wider communi- vived. is here for. It’s the performance of it. With a boom- poets included the BAM Toronto ty as well. Vaughn Shears, ing voice and forceful movements to emphasize each Youth Poetry Slam Team, Ran- “Poetry is about speak- 19, and a 16-year- line, Clarke makes his performance captivating. dell Adjei, Dwayne Morgan ing personal thoughts and old male have “Poetry is often read silently in classrooms or in and Rosemary Sullivan. questions to one’s com- been arrested private,” he said. “But poetry has to be recited and Councillors Mary Frage- munity,” he said, “but and charged with performed in order to truly appreciate it.” dakis and Janet Davis were in it also speaks truths to second-degree Clarke is one of the many poets who performed at attendance to show support to East the issues that are pres- murder and at- the second Annual East End Poetry Festival on Satur- York’s artistic community. Both council- ent within a community, tempted murder. day. In addition to the performances, the festival also lors pushed the city for additional funding whether it’s ethnically or showcased music from the Emily Steinwall Trio and to East End Arts in order to make the fes- geographically.” ~ Will Koblensky a poetry workshop for children. According to East tival possible. End Arts communications co-ordinator Tanya Olek- “We were not represented by a local arts n CLARKE The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014 POLITICS 3

Nationalist Party wants Canadian flag displayed By NOEL RANSOME The Observer The far right wing is once again staking a claim in an East York election. Bob Smith and the Nationalist Party of Canada will be on the municipal ballot again in Ward 31/Beach- es-East York. Smith ran for councillor in Ward 31 in 2003, and came in fourth place in a four-candidate field — with 414 votes. But he’s trying again because, as he’s written in his “Bob’s Beat” blog, he considers incumbent councillor Janet Da- vis to be a “commie feminist.” Since 1972, Smith has run for school trustee, city councillor, Ramon Lafee /// The Observer mayor, MPP and MP, but he’s Pushpa Mathanalingam has been an East York resident since she immigrated to Canada in 1997. never finished anywhere other She says building a network with parents, principals and teachers is important. than near or at the bottom of the voting heap. In between elections, he n SMITH helps maintain the Nationalist Party of Canada, an unregistered Trustee candidate says party with a Coxwell Avenue postal address that has marketed itself on the basis of promoting European heri- tage and white power in Canada. Smith and the party’s founder, Don Andrews, were convicted in the 1980s under Canada’s laws against safety is a key priority “hate propaganda,” and their party website remains stri- dent in its position on Canadian culture and race. By RAMON LAFEE Mathanalingam was born especially all related to the about it, because of the kids,” “We’re concerned about Canadian affairs and nation- The Observer in Sri Lanka and arrived in safety of the kids, and be she said. “As a mother, you alism,” Smith said. Canada in 1997, alone with aware of violations, bullying, can’t explain to them (your In 1991, when East York was still an independent Pushpa Mathanalingam is a her two young kids — and a harassment, etc.,” Mathanal- children) why people are municipality, the Nationalist Party surprised many in the single immigrant mother rais- willingness to succeed. After ingam said, “My first action nude or wearing certain gar- borough and beyond by drawing 18 per cent of the votes ing two kids and running her many difficult years, she was as a trustee will be to go to ments.” in that year’s election for borough mayor. Afterward, own business. finally able to attend universi- every school in our commu- The TDSB is also consid- a white supremacist group called the Heritage Front With so many responsibil- ty and pursue her dreams. nity and speak to the princi- ering requiring mandatory operated an office on Laird Drive and began holding ities, you might think there’s “Education is the best thing pals, the teachers, and then criminal backgrounds checks meetings in the community, saying East York was “fer- no time or energy left to think for us. When I arrived, I didn’t do the same with the parents’ for all parent-volunteers at tile ground” for them. But that 1991 mayoral election of other demanding tasks — have anything,” she said. committee. We will work to- schools. was the high-water mark for far-right politicians in East like running in a municipal Mathanalingam has lived gether, maintaining this key “If the volunteers have York — a community that generally votes left-of-centre. election campaign. in the East York area since network.” direct contact with the kids, For instance, Smith’s draw of the Ward 31 vote in 2003 But that’s not the case for her arrival in Canada, and The Toronto District then yes, everybody is do- was 2.5 per cent. Mathanalingam, a health and she said she considers all of School Board was in the ing it, from big companies to This time around, he said, he’s campaigning on a plat- safety consultant, who is run- the people in her communi- news recently for voting small business, so it’s fine,” form that includes improving property standards along the ning in the upcoming election ty to be her family. As a re- against a motion that would Mathanalingam said. “The eastern stretch of Danforth Avenue. He said he’s been par- against incumbent Gerri Ger- sult, she has dedicated a lot have pressured the city to kids’ safety is the most im- ticularly frustrated with the lack of response to potholes shon as a candidate for public of time working in the com- enforce public nudity laws portant issue.” and to poorly kept neighbourhood roads generally. school trustee in Don Valley munity that she lives in, vol- during the city’s gay Pride Mathanalingam also has But beyond that, “the neighbourhoods are looking West. unteering her time for more Parade. Mathanalingam isn’t a proposal of her own for scruffier, with stores closed down, and there’s an ab- “I want to do something than 10 years now. sure the trustees made the TDSB schools. sence of Canadian flags on houses and businesses.” for this community. I have the In this way, she sees her right decision. “I would like to add med- Smith has been the chairman of his party’s “Canadi- strength to do it. When I have run for trustee as a natural “I accept gays and lesbi- itation and yoga classes to an Flag Perpetual Pride Campaign,” founded in 2010. a dream, I fight for it. That’s development. ans and their right to express schools,” she said, “not from Its aim is to encourage local businesses and schools to how I got my own business,” “I think a trustee must themselves in the parade, a religious point of view, of display the Canadian flag and replace those that have she said, referring to her concentrate on the budget but this kind of stuff…. The course, but in order to build become tattered. health and safety business. and the province’s services, board needed to think more the kids’ inner strength.”

Ward 31 hopeful wants to banish bedbugs By ERIN SANDEL Also known as Rasal Rah- position in 2010. He came in the area. Rahman said. “People living East York could use another The Observer man, the community newspa- fifth out of seven candidates “People are still a little there with kids, they are local news medium. per publisher and candidate on the ballot, collecting just scared to come out at suffering. No one is doing “The East Yorker, it was This isn’t Russell Rah- for the Oct. 27 election is an over 1,000 votes and six per night,” he said. “We have anything about it.” my dream,” he said. “East man’s first time running for immigrant from Bangladesh cent of the total cast. so many dark alleys and If elected, he said he York is between two big city councillor in Ward 31/ who moved to Canada in He says now that he did crimes happening in the hopes to facilitate decisive cities, Scarborough and Beaches-East York. 2003. He said in an interview not expect to win then, community. For the business action to solve the problem Toronto…. We need a voice But this time, he thinks that he’s been living in East but he hopes this time owners, there is still a lot of before it gets worse. of our own.” he’ll pose an York ever since, and that he around people will see his shoplifting going on.” Rahman publishes the Rahman, who describes even more has a love for the community determination and passion Another plank in his East Yorker community himself as “a hard-working serious and all of the different peo- for the community. campaign platform is to newspaper, which is online guy,” says his youth and challenge ple who live here. Rahman has a few local target what he says is an and comes out twice a month charisma would benefit the to incum- “It’s a multicultural com- issues that he hopes to target ongoing epidemic in many in newsprint. community. bent Janet munity,” Rahman said. “It’s if elected. The first is adding apartment buildings within He said that newspaper “Even if I don’t get Davis. really awesome.” more community centres the community. publishing was something elected,” he said, “I will Rahman ran against Davis to Ward 31. The second is “All of the apartments in that he did back in continue, because I love East n RAHMAN for the same councillor’s improving public safety in East York have bed bugs,” Bangladesh, and he thought York.” 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014

Paulina Pestryakov /// The Observer LEFT: Jon Burnside, co-creator of the new Leaside lapel pin, stands with the former Leaside municipal chain of office showcased at the Leaside public library branch. RIGHT: Leaside’s Trace Manes Park, where the Leaside coat of arms and motto is displayed on the banner. ‘Pinning’ down Leaside’s history By PAULINA PESTRYAKOV sense of community or bring a focal point to the ly through the colour difference of the joining two thought it would be fitting to create the The Observer community. Every sports team, government and arms,” he added. coat of arms together on the lapel pin. successful organization has its own mascot as Extensive research using the Toronto ar- However, public awareness was more im- A house, a sunrise and two hands are among its focal point.” chives and local historian Jane Pitfield’s book portant than sales of the lapel pin for Jacoby the elements gracing the coat of arms of one of One pressing of the pin sold out in about six on Leaside also helped Burnside and Jacoby’s and Burnside after its creation. East York’s most distinguished neighbourhoods weeks, raising $3,000 for the Leaside Property creation. Burnside said the cover of Pitfield’s In fact, news of the brass and enamel glazed — a coat of arms featured on a recently pressed Owners’ Assocation (LPOA). book, which features the original Lea family metal pin spread through garden clubs and line of lapel pins. The pin features a rising sun, a house, a tree home — the name behind Leaside — had “in- open houses at schools, rather than conven- The design and the pin are meant as patriot- canopy and two hands in co-operation, celebrat- spired one of the elements of the coat of arms.” tional advertising. The “intimate sales” rep- ic representations of Leaside, which has been ing the “multiculturalism, collaboration and fu- “Pitfield has been the storykeeper of our resented the “true spirit” of the community, celebrating its centennial since last year. Ac- ture” of the community. community and we needed to show respect to especially to those who did not know it well. cording to their creators, Renee Jacoby and Jon “We did pay attention to detail. The commu- her,” Jacoby said. “We are now paving the way “I don’t want our voice to be lost,” Jacoby Burnside, the design and pin are helping to take nity has changed so much in its racial make- and we want to take it to the next century.” said. “There are ways to restore and preserve Leaside “to the next century.” up and we wanted to celebrate the positive Jacoby and Burnside, who met at Leaside our past and take us to a new voice and I don’t “We have a deep sense of pride in Leaside,” change,” Burnside said. United Church, have maintained a friendship want our voice to be forgotten, not just at the said Burnside — who is also running in the Oct. “It took us a long time, especially when we for 30 years. After LPOA director and local community level, but at the city level.” 27 municipal election for city councillor from are creating something of this size on metal, historian Geoff Kettel announced a project The remaining Leaside lapel pins sell for $5 Don Valley West. “When we were creating it, to get the colours right, and you can see the that would represent the community in cele- each and can be purchased by contacting Jon we really thought it would be nice to have a combination of various communities, especial- bration of its 100th anniversary last year, the Burnside at 416-625-1415. Owner of first aid service says workers need to be trained By PAULINA PESTRYAKOV first aid training. The Observer He also said that “day-care workers are being inadequately trained when it comes to first aid/ According to one of the people who teaches CPR.” it, first aid, as serious as it sounds, has not been Last year, he said, 175 daycare workers were taken seriously enough in the workplace. trained through FAST — and not one of them Bill Yager, owner and instructor for First Aid had a prior first aid certification. Service Teams, or FAST, has had 30 years of ex- But his organization isn’t only training perience in professional emergency and sports those in the workforce. Aside from students in medical services and training. His classes cater schools or those who need the certification for to all members of the community, including stu- work purposes, FAST caters to families, specif- dents, parents, children or professionals in any ically children. work environment. However, his experience “We have a free program that focuses on and research have led him to take the view that what to do until the ambulance comes,” says Toronto is “not well-prepared when it comes to Franziska Ruegger, co-owner of FAST. “The first aid, especially in any workplace.” program is good for families and younger Yager explained that “usually an employer children, teaching people how to call 911, and will have only one person who is trained in first it’s also offered in many different languages. aid in a particular work environment.” But that The more you know, the easier it is to deal still leaves the employer largely unprepared, with.” “because if the person (trained) is not there at Programs for first aid are usually held once the moment, there will not be anyone who will a month, but due to the small number of peo- Paulina Pestryakov /// The Observer be able to handle or respond to an emergency ple attending, there are times when the ses- Bill Yager instructs his students on proper first aid and CPR techniques situation,” he said. “In a job site, there needs sions have to be cancelled. at the Royal Canadian Legion in East York. to be more people trained in first aid, if not the “Many people do not see the importance of whole team.” first aid classes and learning it, not only for bine Ave. at Cosburn Avenue, hosts first aid clinics. Yager said he went door-to-door among busi- work sites, but also for personal knowledge,” classes instructed by FAST. They’re especial- “First aid training is like insurance,” Yager nesses along the Danforth between Broadview Ruegger said. ly geared to people such as employees of taxi said. “You only realize you had done it once and Woodbine avenues, and almost nobody had The Royal Canadian Legion, 1240 Wood- and limousine companies, bakeries and dental you see that you need it.” The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014 NEWS 5 Sagar ready to listen to the community First-time school board candidate says she wants to ‘be there for the people’

By TANYA DEBI The Observer

Jen Sagar realized that as a real estate agent, she has skills that help her form strong relationships with the people in her community. “In real estate you deal with people,” she explained. “You listen to what they need and what they are Xueting Zhao/// The Observer looking for and you do a lot of identifying and prob- A memorial has been established at the intersection of Millwood Road and McRae Drive, where lem-solving. I am a professional negotiator; bringing Georgia Walsh was fatally hit on July 16. two sides together is important.” Now Sagar hopes to use that experience on the To- ronto District School Board. “A priority of mine is that I will be available to Campaign moves beyond Leaside people when they need it. I want them to have a dia- Cont’d. from page 1 area, collaborated with Olivia of children has now attracted logue with me,” she said. Thomas, owner of The Olde interest from across the city. “You take the information the founding members of the Yorke Fish and Chips restau- “We are very interested in HOW YOU that they give you and you campaign. “We need to talk rant, to set up in-store dona- getting signs because we wor- roll up your sleeves, get to about it and we need to ad- tion boxes for the campaign. ried about traffic in our neigh- CAN HELP work and start finding an- dress it.” “It’s been a great success bourhood, too,” said Rachel n Pick up a sign, put Nelson, a mother of three swers for them.” “The sign is a pledge from so far,” Munns said. “The it on your lawn and So Sagar is running for everybody who has a sign on customers are coming from from Bennington Heights. make a commitment TDSB trustee in Ward 16, their lawn that says, ‘I’m go- across the GTA and are very “We want to have signs in to driving more re- Beaches-East York. She ing to be a better driver and supportive.” our area in the hopes of peo- sponsibly is currently the school I am going to drive more re- Leaside resident Jennifer ple will pay attention and n SAGAR n Like the ‘Kids at council chair at Glen Ames sponsibly and traffic is im- Avveduto is a mother of four slow down and avoid any oth- Play’ Facebook page Senior Public School. This is her first time running for portant to me,’” he added. who volunteers with the cam- er terrible fatalities.” and follow the prog- school board. “Hopefully this helps change paign. Andrei Sherwin, co-founder ress of the campaign of the campaign and designer “I saw a need for someone who is relevant in the behaviour.” “The tragic death of Geor- n Donations can be system, who really understands, who can be there for On Sept. 4, members of the gia Walsh really hit home of the lawn signs, explained given at all Starbucks people, someone who really listens,” she said. campaign held the second for all of us,” she said. “As a that this is not a “Leaside-spe- stores in the Leaside Sagar said she is passionate about her community, round of the pickup-window community, we would like to cific” initiative. area and at The Olde Yorke Fish and Chips “It’s meant to be for any and she wants to be someone people can feel comfort- event at Leaside High School. come together and try to make at 96 Laird Dr. able bringing their issues to. Local communities showed it a safer environment for ev- community that wants to and “With everyone I speak to, I need a way to follow up tremendous support for the erybody, for drivers and for needs to let drivers know n Anyone can now with them. I need to have a way to document the con- campaign by giving generous pedestrians.” there are kids around and that place an order to get their own ‘Kids at safe streets are priority,” he versation,” she said. donations and volunteering. What started as a neigh- Play’ sign by emailing “So I will get a form and every person I speak with, Carl-Ann Munns, who rep- bourhood event trying to raise said. “We’d love it to be ev- jbyronweese@icloud. I ask what they are reaching out to me about. I would resents the Starbucks business awareness of responsible erywhere — every neighbour- com ask who they have spoken to, whether it be a teacher, community in the Leaside driving and protect the safety hood and every city.” principal or the superintendent, and help them have these conversations.” This way, she added, “we can really start pulling the data of what is going on in the community and see, ‘We have had this many calls with this issue, or this many people reaching out because they want to see a certain program.’ Then we can bring them together and have an information session.” Sagar’s family lives in East York and she has three children who have gone through schools in the TDSB system. She said she learns from her children every day and believes the board should do more to get students’ opinions. “I would ask, ‘Do you want this in your school? How does it make you feel?’ If the students say no and feel horrible about it, then why would we put it in their schools?” she said. Christine Roberts is a member of the “Team Jen” campaign. She said she supports Sagar because she is a remarkable candidate. “Personally, Jen’s integrity and honesty are impressive. She truly cares about people and is enthusiastic about making our schools a better place, for children and their families.” Commenting on the current controversy over TDSB trustee spending habits, Sagar said, “It’s a no-brainer. If I’m using taxpayers’ money, they should know what it’s being spent on.” Overall, she said, “we want to make sure that in Xuyun Zeng/// The Observer our schools are kids are safe and healthy and have a Bells on Danforth great environment to learn and the tools they need to Hundreds of cyclists rode through East York on Sunday during the Bells on Danforth mass cycling thrive.” ride. The event started at East Lynn Park and finished at Toronto City Hall. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014 n COLUMNS n editorials For richer or for poorer Live a life of laughter This fall’s municipal election might distract from the social quandary in Don Val- I don’t usually take the But unlike other illnesses, when celebrities or public fig- ley West, but after voters in Ward 26 choose their representative next month, an un- deaths of celebrities to heart, depression deserves consis- ures aren’t succumbing to it. fortunate truth will remain: the people of Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park are but this summer, someone tent attention — meaning it A more intense discussion among the most impoverished in Toronto. I thought of as a legend should be talked about even on this issue needs to happen Low-income housing, substandard living conditions and unemployment plague died. It’s unfathomable how because people need to know especially the many immigrants who settle in the area. Most are South Asian. Ac- someone with such frenet- the facts, and know that there cording to a report released last month by a group of social service agencies and ic energy and such a great are resources out there to help activists, the neighbourhood of Leaside — next door to Thorncliffe — boasts a child sense of humour could be in anyone coping with depres- poverty rate under five per cent (tied for the best rate in the city); Thorncliffe Park’s so much pain. When Robin sion. child poverty rate is reported at being over 50 per cent. Worse yet, many of the par- Williams died, I took it a Throughout the years, many ents of these children have professional degrees, yet lack the opportunity to apply little more personally than I research studies have been them. This is more than troubling; it is flat-out embarrassing. had expected. Truthfully, conducted to find cures for City council is trying to ease poverty across Toronto. In April, it voted to draft a it surprised me how the different illnesses, but Poverty Reduction Strategy, focused on implementable actions it could take. For death of someone I’d depression isn’t often at whoever is elected on Oct. 27, the first priority -- and the second through 10th -- only ever seen on TV the top of the list. This should be to push this initiative forward. The Alliance for a Poverty Free Toronto has could remotely upset needs to change. been asking city councillors to assist the effort by pledging to address poverty in the me. I mean, I know the Just because we can’t city. In Ward 26, the representative will need to do far more. characters he played were always see it doesn’t mean Most observers think that representative will either be the incumbent, John Park- fictional and he wasn’t really it doesn’t exist. Like other er, or his main rival, Jon Burnside. Whether it’s one of these two frontrunners, or Mrs. Doubtfire. illnesses, the symptoms one of the dark horses in the race, whoever prevails needs to change the approach To me, Williams wasn’t for people who suffer from to poverty in Ward 26. With such high poverty rates, linked to Thorncliffe Park’s just an actor or a comedian. depression can vary. Many status as a community largely for low-income immigrants, decisive action is needed He was human and an artist people close to Williams immediately. Wheels need to be set in motion. And considering that Parker has been in his own right. His death revealed that he could be the in office for eight years, maybe it’s time for someone new at city hall who will better made me see what I’ve al- polar opposite of the charac- represent the people who live in what one of this city’s daily newspapers once called ways heard — that no one is ters he played. He was pub- “high-rise ghettos.” immune to suffering. licly delightful, but privately But ultimately, candidates don’t matter at this point; people living in destitution, Whether you’re an actor very shy. perpetually struggling to scrape by on food and shelter, do. When the average house- or comedian, student or en- At the end of the day, it’s hold income of a neighborhood is $26,000 lower than the city average, they matter. gineer, it doesn’t matter… important to realize that as When the vast majority are shovelled into rented apartments, unable to break out of because depression doesn’t precious as life is, it is also a perpetual cycle of poverty, they matter. When more than one of every two children discriminate. short. in Thorncliffe Park is living without adequate food or shelter, they matter. Depression is a serious con- While you may never know Whoever polls highest in October will need to put the communities of Thorncliffe dition that needs to be taken the inner demons people are Park and Flemingdon Park on their shoulders. Any less would be doing their com- more seriously. It affects Virginia facing, it’s important to love munity a devastating injustice. many people in many places Mashingaidze one another and be there for ~ Louis Pin regardless of their lifestyles. each other. Health is in our hands Equations and elections East Yorkers can be forgiven for turning an apprehensive gaze to West Africa and the Any teacher will tell you that one candidate needs to win. that. And looking ahead, it terrible outbreak of Ebola there. We remember the dark days of 2003, when East York — and math is an important aspect of But you need to keep in mind seems likely that Doug Ford especially Toronto East General Hospital — was at the epicentre of the public health crisis a child’s education. However, that “spectrum” that I men- will inherit at least some sup- around Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that originated in China. ask any child what they think tioned earlier, because it’s port from his ailing brother’s This week we were told that Ebola constitutes another health crisis, and that this one is and you’ll get answers along not necessarily divided “Ford Nation.” But the sub- “unparalleled in modern times.” The U.S. is stepping up to confront it ‘over there’ before the lines of ‘When will I ever evenly. stitution of Doug for Rob in it lands over here. Canada needs to step up as well. But at the same time, the people who use trigonometry?’ Objectively speak- the mayor’s race may also should know tell us that, for now, we shouldn’t be overly worried. To a degree, they’re right. I ing, Chow is the only send some Ford Nation vot- “Canadians are at less of a risk for an Ebola outbreak because there have been no haven’t done trigonometry in serious left-wing ers to John Tory. confirmed cases in Canada to date,” said Dr. James Downey, the head of the infectious years. But knowing how to ap- contender, while Meanwhile, for the diseases division at TEGH. “Here at Toronto East General Hospital, we continue to speak to ply mathematical concepts in John Tory and most part, Olivia Chow colleagues at public health agencies to keep abreast of any developments.” real life can let you do certain Doug Ford must will keep all of her Downey added that TEGH recently hosted a hands-on, interactive workshop for staff who things — like winning elec- split the right- left-leaning voters, so might have to deal with patients with Ebola symptoms. It included donning and doffing tions. wing vote. So, long as she doesn’t scare protective equipment, proper disposal of biohazardous materials and utilizing special kits to Allow me to explain, in the in a gross over- them off. handle patients with these symptoms. case of Olivia Chow and how simplification: Of course, even with a But let’s not let the current media attention around Ebola distract us from some other less I think she now has an advan- Chow stands to get theoretical mathematical dramatic public health concerns. tage in her campaign to become everyone sitting advantage it’s not in the For instance, East York veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Mitelman warns of another disease that mayor of Toronto. on the left, while bag. Remember, there he says poses more of a clear and present danger for Canadians. Not because of the dubious Doug Ford and is a middle-of-the-road “It’s already here, and there have already been an increasing number of cases in the Ottawa reputations of ex-candidate John Tory will vote that doesn’t identi- Valley,” Mitelman warns. “Young children, as well as pets, have been bitten by ticks carrying Rob Ford and current candidate have to split their fy with left or right. That the Lyme disease. At least 38 kids have been infected. It’s a bigger risk than Ebola.” Doug Ford (although that’s part right-of-centre means the election could Lyme disease is an illness that originates from the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. They of it), but because of simple voters. Advan- turn in either Chow’s or can bite and infect both people and house pets, and the health effects can be serious and math. There is a political spec- tage Chow. Tory’s favour. long-lasting. It’s enough of a threat that a centre of Lyme disease research and treatment is trum of voters. Or in this case, Of course, So if Chow can draw scheduled to open at the Humber River Hospital next year. But there are easy steps that we the more appropriate metaphor as the pre-elec- in these voters, her can all take to prevent it. And generally, Dr. Mitelman says, we can stave off a host of mala- may be political pie. And each tion polls have odds are improved. dies with simple hygiene. candidate tries to carve out the been demon- Then, of course, the re- “Being aware, having hand sanitizer and building up your immune system by eating and biggest slice of that pie to win. strating, sults on election night sleeping well will pay great dividends.” But the more candidates there it’s more will depend on how Now that’s a public health policy that we can all embrace. are, the more potential slices of compli- well she and her ~ Jeremy Hon the pie there are — and there- cated Christopher Lum rivals can “get out fore the less total votes that any than the vote.”

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- Faculty Editors Managing editor copy Editors nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Preston Dozsa Erin Buckley campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Samantha Bridges 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Tanya Debi production editors Observer photo editor Dakoda Sannen [email protected]. Telephone 416- 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Dennis Gonzales Beth Jarrell The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014 FEATURES 7

Photos courtesy of City of Toronto Archives Behold, the East York of old As the Observer resumes this season, we continue our series of photos portraying East York as it once was — as drawn from the archives of the City of Toronto. These two pictures show Mortimer Avenue a half-century ago: On the left is Mor- timer, looking east from Monarch Park Avenue; the photo on the right is facing west. n MUNICIPAL ELECTION Velshi vows to improve constituents’ lives

ing, “Why you f***ing knocking siveness as a means of solving is- councillors at city hall will help ‘Everyone deserves so hard for, man?” sues in a cosmopolitan communi- her immensely. a voice,’ Ward 26 But Velshi also meets residents ty, rather than “divide-and-rule,” “I returned the phone calls, I who say they’re behind her all the as she puts it. dealt with the issues and I took candidate believes way, like the man who said that he “There isn’t an aversion to something from ‘A’ to ‘Z’,” Velshi has 18 voters in his family. talking to people in Thorncliffe said. By XUYUN ZENG “We will vote for you,” he said. and Leaside, and bringing them “(Councillors) attend the meet- The Observer In an interview, Velshi said she together at the table. But it hasn’t ings, but they pass the work that Ishrath Velshi walks door-to- wants to run for council because been done,” Velshi said. has to be done down to the staff. door, greeting the residents of she wants to better the lives of “It’s not opposite sides of the I was the staff that did it, so I can a Flemingdon Park apartment people in Ward 26/Don Valley track. We’re all one people. Yes, hit the ground running.” complex and asking for their West, which encompasses a very we do have differences of opin- Now, she wants to enact change support for her Ward 26 council- diverse demographic with differ- ion; that’s why there needs to be at the forefront of city politics. lor candidacy come election day, ent needs — from people in af- an open forum.” “As a councillor, I can bring the Oct. 27. fluent Leaside to residents of the If elected, it will be Velshi’s full force of resources at city hall She receives various respons- disadvantaged Thorncliffe and first time as a councillor. Howev- to the community in order to facil- es. Some talk to her with the door Flemingdon neighbourhoods. er, she thinks that her experience itate change or meet the needs of only slightly ajar. Some do not Her campaign slogan reads, serving two provincial cabinet the different areas in the commu- reply at all. Some react cantanker- “Everyone deserves a voice” and ministers at Queen’s Park, and nity that have neglected,” Velshi n VELSHI ously. One man comes out shout- exemplifies her belief in inclu- as an executive assistant for two said. Every child deserves ‘first-rate’ education: Gershon By XUETING ZHAO She said she hopes to collaborate with the the safety of students who commute to The Observer municipal government to deal with this issue. schools on foot, especially after the death of As a school trustee who represents neigh- seven-year-old Georgia Walsh last summer. If she’s re-elected in October, school bourhoods as diverse as Leaside and Thorn- Considering the increasingly busy traffic in trustee Gerri Gershon will celebrate her 30th cliffe Park, Gershon wants to reconcile the the community, Gershon has asked the super- anniversary in local politics next year. Yet the education gap between communities, despite intendent of schools to ensure that teachers willingness of the incumbent for Ward 13/ their economic differences. emphasize street safety to the children. Don Valley West to set out on another jour- “We can’t change the society, but we cer- “Traffic is a very big issue to the commu- ney with the TDSB still seems strong today. tainly can make sure that our schools offer a nity and children’s safety.… Anything we can “I feel as fresh as I did for the first day I first-rate education system to every student,” do to keep our children safe is very import- started,” Gershon said. “I have a lot of pas- she said. “That means sometimes we have to ant,” she said. sion for the children in my community and fund some schools more than others.” Gershon is also concerned about men- their parents. It’s been extremely interesting In terms of her current tenure — when tal health issues among young children in and a tremendous honour to represent them.” she has been in the news for topping the schools. This requires focusing on profes- The three essential issues Gershon hopes list of trustees when it comes to conference sional development of teachers and better to address if re-elected are raising capital expenses — Gershon said there have been programming at schools, she said. funds for the maintenance of school buildings new points of pride, like the building of the “It is devastating to some kids. Children in the community, starting a cashless school 700-student Fraser Mustard Early Learning also suffer mental health problems and they n GERSHON system and using technology to enhance Academy in Thorncliffe Park. and their family need support,” she said. communication with parents. As a strong supporter of the all-day kinder- Gershon’s three decades in politics started with the Metropolitan Toronto School Board, Gershon admitted limited funding has been garten program, she believes the school will when she was elected to the North York the Toronto District School Board and the available for refurbishing and reorganizing continue to be a centre of excellence. Board of Education as a public school trust- Ontario Public School Board Association, school buildings in the past several years. Gershon also expressed her concern about ee. Since that time, she was been involved among other organizations. 8 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, September 19, 2014 Founder, father and fun at Fox run By LOUIS PIN Also present was Rolly The Observer Fox, Terry’s father. Fox sat by the finish line, shaking hands It began at Wilket Creek with volunteers and speaking Park, 34 years ago. Isadore with people who were there to Sharp, CEO of Four Seasons support the foundation. Hotels and Resorts, told Ter- It was Fox’s first time com- ry Fox’s family that he would ing to Toronto for the run, be organizing a run in Terry’s something he thinks should name. Almost three and a have happened earlier. half decades later, Sharp still “Toronto’s done so much oversees the Terry Fox Run at for Terry,” Fox said. “I Wilket Creek Park, along East should have been here a long York’s northern border. time ago.… It was long over- “When (we) started here, it due.” was just a bench with two peo- Before this year, Wilket ple sitting at it,” Sharp said. Creek had raised over $9 mil- “If you look at it now… it’s lion over 34 years to fight can- grown naturally.” cer in Terry’s name. The Terry “Naturally” is an under- Fox Foundation has raised statement. Last Sunday, $650 million worldwide since there were more than 5,000 it began. people at the Wilket Creek For Sharp, the Canadian Run, along with food trucks, icon was, and still is, a sym- facepainting, balloon castles bol of determination and in- and live entertainment. The spiration. Next year, for the entrance to the run was lined run’s 35th anniversary, Wilket Louis Pin /// Observer with memorabilia, something Creek is planning an even big- (L-R) Sophie Spangler, Kaia Baugh, Cara Spangler and Zoe Baugh were all smiles (or something) Sharp’s volunteers first put to- ger event. after having their faces painted at the Terry Fox Run. gether a few years ago. “My son died (of cancer) “We started (the memora- Some longtime supporters, years,” he said. “Well, I used Bodsworth was in Calgary. his family. a few years before Terry be- bilia walk) for the 30th anni- like Steve Bodsworth, were at to run. I got a knee replace- Though he’s since moved to “The same kids we were gan his run,” Sharp said. “For versary,” Sharp said. “People Wilket Creek Park for the first ment, so I’m only walking it Peace River, Brampton, and pushing in strollers 34 years someone to set their goals so liked it so much… we’ve done time. (this year).” Wasaga Beach, he has always ago are pushing their kids high… you were just taken in it every year since.” “I’ve been running for 34 In the run’s inaugural year, found somewhere to run with here today,” he said. by him.” Chow and Tory go head-to-head at Evergreen Brick Works Cont’d. from page 1 ignate 20 per cent of buildings as affordable Tory was visibly frustrated twice in the “Amalgamation, for right or for wrong, housing. debate when he was unable to counter his happened a long time ago. We’ve still been Chow added that Tory’s plan does not pro- But Chow’s other plans did not go unat- opponents’ attacks after the moderator cut fermented by the Ford era, fighting these vide service to a part of northwest Toronto. tacked. She proposed a land transfer tax on him off due to time constraints. battles about downtown versus the suburbs. But instead of countering Chow, Tory homebuyers purchasing homes valued at $2 Instead, he discussed plans to make the We are not going to achieve the level of chose to go after the Fords. million and over, which Goldkind was quick development process in Toronto more trans- greatness this city is capable of if we don’t “They’ve talked a lot about increased to shoot down. parent to ensure that public spaces such as all pull together,” Tory said in his closing accountability in the government. They’ve “When Ms. Chow says a land-transfer tax, parks would be considered as buildings and statement, receiving applause and cheers talked a lot about finding ways to take better you know how many people are affected by condos continue to be built. from the audience. care of the money that was already brought that? Five hundred. Should only 500 people Tory added that stronger ties with the After the debate, Chow was asked if she in, but they’ve done very little about it,” he be making a collective decision that our city provincial and federal governments would thinks Doug Ford is qualified to lead the city. said. is worth investing in?” he asked. help secure more funding for the city, and “I think his past record, his voting record Chow also said she would implement a Instead, Goldkind hopes to implement a discussions between various people from to cut TTC funding, to cut funding for kids faster approval service for those waiting for land-transfer tax for people buying homes different parts of Toronto on issues such as so they could use their community centres, is affordable housing, while also repairing ex- worth $1.1 million, not $2 million as per homelessness would help City Council make not what this city is all about,” she respond- isting housing and asking developers to des- Chow’s proposal. decisions. ed. Kennedy calls for stronger Catholic values in community

By BRITTANY CAMPBELL She’s campaigning on her ment for students and staff. community,” she said. concerns. learned the importance of The Observer track record as an advocate Kennedy was first elected Kennedy added that she “Ultimately, parents do grassroots work and repre- She is a familiar face with- for Catholic values and as trustee for the TCDSB has focused on issues re- have a right to have certain sentation at higher levels of in the Catholic education parental involvement within in November 2000. Most garding developing stronger information,” she said. governance. community, and no stranger schools. recently, she was re-elected relationships between local “They also have the right As for the contentious to election campaigns for “Parents feel that I am ap- to her fourth term in 2010. schools and their local par- to provide some advice to issue of public funding for the Toronto Catholic District proachable and that I get the She said she has demon- ishes — as well as assuring a principal on matters that Catholic schools, Kennedy is School Board. Angela job done,” Kennedy said in strated her sense of board school admin- effect a local school.” adamant. Kennedy is the four-term an interview. “If they come accountability. In particular, istrations are Her personal engagement “I believe in publicly incumbent school trustee for to me with a problem or an when another trustee vacated functioning in education was important funded Catholic education Ward 11, known officially as issue, then I am determined a seat, she said she was at properly to her while raising her because I graduated from East York-Toronto. to solve that problem. And the forefront of a motion to and in seven sons. Between vol- Notre Dame and I graduated Representing Ward 11 I do keep the best interest call a byelection, instead of accor- unteering within from Corpus Christi,” she for over a decade, Kennedy of their child in mind, and merely appointing a new dance the schools said. has served in numerous I know that they appreciate trustee — proving to her with and serving “I had a very good educa- capacities within the board, that.” constituents, she said, that pa- as chair of the tion in both elementary and including chair of the board, Her platform calls for her main responsibility has ren- PTA school secondary level and I think director of the Ontario strengthening Catholic val- always been to represent the tal council, that in our Catholic board Catholic School Trustees ues, high academic standards community. Kennedy we do an excellent job of Association and chair of the for students, parental rights, “We are members of the said she’s educating our students.” Human Resources Program and maintaining a safe and community, we represent the and Religious Affairs. healthy working environ- community and we are in the n Kennedy

Chow Interview continued from pg. 1